Eleanor Sutton''s refusal was written all over her face. "I have ns tonight."


    "I know, but Grandma hasn''t been feeling welltely. She keeps saying she wants to see you."


    The mention of Magdalen softened Eleanor''s heart, despite herself.


    From the first time Eleanor met Magdalen, she''d felt the warmth of her kindness. Her own grandparents had passed away when she was very young, so Magdalen had filled that void-offering the gentle affection and support she''d missed all her life.


    Magdalen truly cared about her.


    But thinking of everything that had happened recently, Eleanor steeled herself again. “I''ll visit her another day when I have time."


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. ncing at the screen, she was surprised to see it was Magdalen herself calling.


    Eleanor had no choice but to answer. "Hello, Grandma Magdalen Goodwin."


    "Ellie, I heard you were named one of the city''s Top Ten Outstanding Women! That''s wonderful news. Let''s celebrate together tonight over dinner, just the family."


    "Grandma, I”


    "Don''t worry! It''ll be just us. No one else," Magdalen said pointedly.


    Realizing Magdalen just wanted to congratte her in person, Eleanor couldn''t


    bring herself to refuse. "Alright, Grandma. I''ll pick up Evelyn first."


    "Good. Come withn when you''re ready," Magdalen replied, then hung up.


    Just then, the bell rang at the preschool.


    Eleanor watched asn walked over, holding their daughter''s hand. He scooped Evelyn up and asked, "Which car do you want to ride in?"


    "I want to go with Mommy," Evelyn chirped.


    Eleanor felt a twinge of annoyance. Couldn''t he just drive himself?


    As if reading her thoughts,n said, "It''ll be easier if we go together."


    He named a nearby upscale hotel, then helped Evelyn into Eleanor''s car.


    On the drive over, Evelyn chattered away in the back seat about her day at preschool, withn listening and responding patiently.


    When they arrived, Eleanor parked and watched her daughter bouncing excitedly ahead. Her mood lightened a little.


    They entered a private dining room, elegantly decorated. As soon as Magdalen saw them, her face lit up with a grandmotherly smile. "Evelyn''s here! Come give your great-grandma a hug."


    Evelyn ran over sweetly and called out, "Great-grandma!” Magdalen gathered her into a hug, but her gaze settled on Eleanor. "Ellie, it''s been a while."


    Meeting Magdalen''s warm eyes, Eleanor felt a rush of affection. "Grandma, how have you been?"


    “Oh, just the usual old aches and pains. Nothing serious.” Magdalen squeezed her hand. “Having you here lifts my spirits more than any medicine could."


    Gina Quinn called Evelyn over to her side, already having prepared a little te of food so she wouldn''t go hungry.


    Meanwhile, Eleanor listened attentively as Magdalen talked about her health, offering thoughtful advice and gentle suggestions.


    "Is Aunt Julia noting?" Evelyn suddenly realized someone was missing. In her mind, they were all one big family.


    "Aunt Julia had somethinge up, so she couldn''t make it. But tonight, we''re all here to keep youpany," Magdalen reassured her.